Everyone deserves to have a voice.

The connection between people and place is an important one. Those who live in a place know it best should have a say in how it might change. An engaged design process means that everyone is included. A focus on sustainable and implementable design amenities results in meaningful outcomes.

Pittsburgh Public Schools Dillworth Playground

PPS Dillworth's early education program sought to update an old play structure and additional amenities to the play area. Thinking about maximizing the ground space in the play area as well as the vertical areas of the fence to add learning and game play. Final design includes a new play structure, adventure path mural to act as both a tricycle and 'follow the leader' path. Several new accessible amenities were added. (2022)

910 Braddock Avenue

On either side of the Hollander building, vacant land has been repurposed to improve the view from the street as well as provide additional programming space for For Good PGH. With help from local volunteers and KRJ Landscaping, the site was cleared of debris, invasive species and an old shed. This design features a meeting area, native plants, and a meditative labyrinth made from bricks from a local demolition project. Support for the ongoing maintenance is provided by partners from the Braddock Youth Project. (2021)

Constance Playce

A corner lot in the East Allegheny neighborhood of Pittsburgh was adopted by the surrounding neighbors with a desire to reclaim the space. A play space was created using all recycled and repurposed materials including an old dismantled play structure, local natives and transplants and used tires. This space serves as a neighborhood gathering place where holidays are celebrated as well as a backyard playground for the local youth. Maintenance and ongoing programming is managed by the local neighbors, sharing the responsibility and joy. Completed under Grounded. (2019)

Piano Place

Piano Place is a public space bordering the Hamnett Place community garden in Wilkinsburg, PA. Working off an original concept by Ronald R. Butler, an eighth grade student from Pittsburgh's CAPA School, the musically themed design was created to provide additional amenities to an existing community space. It is in memory of Harry C. Goldby, a PHLF member, World War II veteran, pianist, and French teacher who loved the Pittsburgh region. It is designed with the piano as inspiration, which is evident in the black and white “keys” on the walkways. This site, dotted with berry bushes and fruit trees, is a quiet corner for community members to gather and for neighbors to enjoy, with the community garden at its center. There are also several fun spots designed especially for kids, including musical instruments and a bamboo-laced tunnel. Completed under the Pittsburgh  History and Landmarks Foundation. (2012)

MOMS Green Play Yard

Sojourner House MOMS acquired this lot in 2009 and over several years, cultivated it to become a safe outdoor space for the youth in the program to learn and play.  Amenities include a stage and performance area, tire climbs and crawls, two small slides, a sand play area with musical instruments and several other game and activity amenities for all ages along with native plants and fruit trees. The original design completed under Burt,Hill and subsequent updates were managed under Grounded. (2009-2019)

Lola Gardens

A former city of Pittsburgh GreenUp site, this parklet was transitioned from an empty lot to a native oasis. Intensive labor and materials were provided by the Department of Public Works including earthwork, retaining/ seat walls, lighting and bench installation. Planting was supported by Lawrenceville neighbors. Work completed as consultant for the City of Pittsburgh. (2010)

See it's transformation here.

Sprout Garden

A former city of Pittsburgh GreenUp site, this parklet was transitioned from an empty lot to a native oasis. Intensive labor and materials were provided by the Department of Public Works including earthwork, pathways and fencing. Planting was supported by neighbors. Work completed as consultant for the City of Pittsburgh. (2010)

East Liberty Gardens Apartments

In partnership with the East End Presbyterian Church, this project reclaimed an existing parking lot to become a new play space for the local families. 3 Design concepts were developed from a group listening charette and a concept was chosen that mixed repurposed materials with new formal play elements. Construction was entirely a volunteer effort.  (2009)

Mt. Washington Rain Garden/ Charles Lewis Parklet

This project was a community effort led by the  Mt. Washington Community Development Corporation (MWCDC), who reached out for design assistance on this prominently located parklet. As a young LA, I recruited some fellow designers and the local student chapter of industrial designers to develop a plan that would add beauty, functionality, and sustainability to a site in need of repair within the neighborhood. The updated site incorporated new lighting, seating, and landscaping materials, providing a safe and attractive place of enjoyment for visitors. It included a mural from a local artist honoring Charles Lewis, former fireman, on the wall of the adjacent fire station. Pro bono work completed while at Burt,Hill. (2008)